Independent Reading Assignment

AP English 12

Mrs. Angelo

  1. Select a novel from the list provided. If you choose a work not on the list, I must approve the work before the due date. (4/12) (20 points)
  1. You must decide what you will read by Thursday, April 12th. If you change your mind after that date, you will lose the 20 points.
  1. Stylistic Prose Techniques (60 points)
  • As you read, notice the stylistic techniques that the author uses to communicate more effectively and powerfully.
  • Examples of stylistic techniques are point of view, tone, diction, syntax, narrative pace, humor, satire, figurative language, imagery, irony, selection of detail, and many more.
  • Prepare a list of at lest ten (10) examples of powerful prose techniques.
  • Define the term in your own words, cite the example from the text, and provide a brief analysis of how the author uses the technique effectively.
  • Please use the format as noted on the sample.
  • Use appropriate MLA format.
  • This assignment must be typed and not longer than two pages.
  1. Reader Response(40 points)
  • Divide your book into fourths. After you finish reading each fourth, write a reader response/reaction to that section. These responses should be handwritten and limited to the space provided on the Reading Response Sheet. Please do not write a plot summary. Naturally, you will include some plot, but I want to read your reactions to what is happening in the novel and to the characters and their personalities and motivations.
  1. Prose Analysis (40 points)
  • Choose one (1) passage from the novel.
  • This passage should be several sentences and/or paragraphs long—at least long enough to get some feel or idea of the author’s style. Pretend that you are on the Test Development Committee for AP English. Write a prompt similar to the prompts that you have seen this year (and last) on the prose analysis section of the literature exam. Type the passage on a separate sheet of paper—singled spaced.
  • Answer the prompt in a well-organized essay on a separate sheet of paper. Type your essay—double spaced!
  1. Commercial (40 points)
  • Prepare a 1- to 2-minute advertisement for your book. The purpose of your presentation will be to encourage others to read your book. Your presentation must be no more than two minutes long. You may use visuals to enhance your presentation. I will have available for your use an overhead projector, an LCD projector, and a TV-VCR. Please tell me in advance what you will need for your presentation.
  1. Turn in the Stylistic Prose Techniques Sheet, Reader Response Sheet, and Prose Analysis on the day that you give your presentation. Place the Evaluation Sheet on top. Paper clip the sheets together—do not staple.
  1. Do not procrastinate—this assignment is due May 1st and 2nd. Naturally everyone will volunteer to present on 5/2—but as you are all logical adults, you can see that simply won’t happen!